Auckland, New Zealand – June 14, 2026 – The Auckland Tuatara powered past the Wellington Saints 96–88 in a thrilling New Zealand National Basketball League (NZNBL) contest at a packed venue on Sunday. The victory strengthened Auckland’s home record and snapped a two-game skid against their fellow title contenders in the 2026 regular season.

The Tuatara came out firing from the opening tip, establishing a double‑digit lead in the first quarter behind crisp ball movement and aggressive drives to the basket. Wellington, however, refused to go quietly. The reigning finalists cut the deficit to just four points at halftime and twice pulled within two possessions in the third period. But Auckland’s depth and clutch shooting down the stretch proved decisive, as they pulled away late to secure the eight‑point victory.

Match Overview

From the opening minutes, it was clear that both teams were aware of the standings implication. The Saints, traditionally one of the league’s most successful franchises, leaned on their veteran backcourt to orchestrate offence, while the Tuatara relied on an energetic defence and fast‑break opportunities. The home side’s ability to convert turnovers into quick scores was a key factor, finishing with 22 points off Wellington’s 14 giveaways.

Key Moments

• First‑quarter surge: Auckland opened on a 16–4 run, forcing an early Saint timeout. Power forward Sam Timmins scored 8 points in the frame, including a pair of three‑pointers.
• Wellington’s fightback: With three minutes left in the second quarter, guard Tohi Smith‑Milner ignited a 10‑2 spurt, trimming the lead to 47–43 at the break.
• Clutch fourth quarter: Tied at 78 with six minutes remaining, Auckland’s bench unit delivered a 10‑0 run. Captain Tom Vodanovich knocked down a corner triple and dished two assists, putting the game out of reach.

Standout Players

• Auckland Tuatara – Tom Vodanovich (24 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists) and Sam Timmins (20 points, 11 rebounds) led a balanced scoring attack. Vodanovich’s leadership in the final quarter was especially critical.
• Wellington Saints – Jordan Ngatai (game‑high 28 points, 6 assists) kept his team in the contest with a variety of mid‑range jumpers. Taane Samuel added 16 points and 8 boards but struggled with foul trouble.

Table and Season Impact

The victory improved Auckland’s record to 12–6, keeping them in the top four of the NZNBL standings. For Wellington, now 11–7, the loss prevented them from leapfrogging the Tuatara and tightening the race for home‑court advantage in the playoffs. The two sides are scheduled to meet again in the final week of the regular season, a fixture that could carry significant seeding implications.

With the win, the Tuatara now hold a 2–1 season series lead over the Saints. Auckland will look to build momentum on a three‑game homestand, while Wellington returns to the capital to face the Canterbury Rams next Friday.